Buddhists observe Poson Poya

Buddhists all over the island observed the Poson Poya, which marked the historic arrival of Buddhism in the country, through Arahath Mahinda Thera in Mihintale, Anuradhapura and other places.

Hundreds of thousands of devotees participated. Meditation, Dhamma sermons and dansals were conducted in a pious manner. Over 200,000 devotees had observed sil at Ruwanweli Stupa and at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, both situated in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, which gains more significance through the Poson Poya.

The events near the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi were conducted by the Chief Incumbent Ven. Pallegama Sri Nivasa Thera, while the events near the Ruwanweli Stupa were conducted by Chief Incumbent Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera. The events at Mihinthale were conducted under the auspices of its Chief Incumbent Ven. Walawahengunaweve Dhammarathana Thera.

Similar religious events to mark the Poson Poya day were also held at the Thissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, Kiriwehera, Sithulpawwa, Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya and at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.